Exelero – should go very close
The great Cape racing support storm rages on, and with 77 runners carded for the eight race programme at Durbanville today, the jury is out on the off-season apathy and on finding a solution to increase field subscriptions. The racing looks competitive though, and punters will be looking for a decent payout on the eve of Heritage Day.
There is little question that It is always more appealing betting into decent sized fields. That said, there could be a humdinger of a Pick 6 dividend lurking in the shadows of a deceptively tricky looking midweek card.
Ready To Excel
Vaughan Marshall – Exelero could be a popular choice
The headliner of the day on the draw-sensitive circuit is a nine horse MR 94 Handicap over 1300m, where the Vaughan Marshall-trained Exelero looks a possibility after a solid last win and form return.
The son of Western Winter returned from a four month break and a Gauteng campaign to spreadeagle a decent field last time.
A highly rated sort in his early career, he beat 7yo Prince Jazeem by 1,25 lengths. The latter subsequently disappointed with an unplaced effort behind Spirit Of Hamilton.
Sean Tarry is looking for an icebreaker to open his Cape campaign, and Prince Jazeem brings some decent Gauteng form to the table.
Relentless
Relentless galloper Blarney Bay didn’t stop last time
The evergreen Mike Robinson galloper Blarney Bay is always dangerous when allowed to dictate, but has some pudding to carry – and is not getting any younger.
He did not stop at his last outing when going on doggedly to be beaten under a length by Spirit Of Hamilton.
Exelero’s stablemate Halfmoon Hotel showed a flicker of a form comeback last time over 1400m at the track – but he cannot be considered the stable elect on jockey arrangements.
Earner
Justin Snaith – yard in form
Justin Snaith’s yard is in great form but Villa Del Largo looks to have some ground to find.
He last ran in PE when closing strongly – as he inevitably does – but needs to finish things off and get his head in front where it counts.
While a regular earner, he has not won a race in over two years.
The bottomweight Winter Glory has run some decent races recently in strong company and has not finished far back.
On paper, and at his 16th start, his formline looks like he is battling to register a second win
Useful
Dean Kannemeyer – saddles Blackmore
Dean Kannemeyer-trained Blackmore looked useful when winning two on the trot – including a commendable effort under 62kgs over the Durbanville 1400m, beating the once highly regarded Line Break.
His last start can probably be ignored as he was slow off and was hanging.
He is down to be ridden by the underrated Grant Behr – who may be a doubtful starter after his fall at Durbanville last Saturday.
The 2013 Winter Derby winner Gifted For Glory is a classy sort, but returns after a 70 day break following his KZN Champions Season campaign and will find this on the sharp side.
He jumps from a nice draw at his first start at this track and meets Exelero on 4kgs better terms than when beaten 2,70 lengths over 1200m at his penultimate start at Kenilworth.
Piet Steyn’s Waiting For Rain has drawn on the paint but has lost form since stepping up in class at his last few runs.
Although historical, he was placed during his maiden career over the course and distance and can run into minor money.
Right One
The classy Exelero looks the right one and now matured at the age of 5, he could finally be set to go on and win his races. That is if the second-run-after-a-rest hoodoo doesn’t spook him.
Prince Jazeem will be snapping at his heels, with Blackmore and the galloping-weighted Winter Trade right there.
Monitor the conditions on the day – they could suit the never-say-die Blarney Bay!
